About your shoot

Hearing from us

It is important to understand that not everyone who applies for the project will automatically be chosen as we are looking for children to represent different aspects of London life. Different areas, ages and interests are all important. You will only be required to make a donation if you are chosen to appear in the book. You will then have a photoshoot and this guarantees your place.

If your application is successful you will be telephoned by one of the team within 21 days to discuss your shoot so good luck!

Think carefully about where you want your shoot to take place. Its always good if it has a personal connection to your child. It can be a famous location or your own back garden, it’s up to you. If your child has any special attributes then mention that in your application. For example, if your child likes to ride mini motorbikes then we can think about shooting at a local track. They may like to dress up or be a ballet dancer or a super hero. Remember that every child is special to us so they don’t have to be a child genius and your local park can be the best location in London.

On the day of the shoot

Richard or one of his hand-picked team of photographers will be taking the shots and will guide you and your child through the process on the day, so don’t be concerned if you aren’t used to being photographed…you are in good hands!

The shoot will take approximately 2 hours so we will arrange a time and a place to meet. It is very important to ensure that you are on time. If your child needs to get time off school we can send you a pre-prepared letter to help inform your Head Teacher of what your child will be doing for the history of London and for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

On the day, please ensure that your child has a change of clothes available and make sure that they don’t arrive with chocolate, ice creams or jam doughnuts in hand that are likely to stain their clothes or faces etc.

Please remember to bring any props that we have discussed, as well as a hair brush and any inhalers or medication that might be required. The safety and security of your child is always our first concern but it is your responsibility as parents or guardians to be present at all times during the photo shoot.

After the shoot

Richard himself will edit all of the images for inclusion in the book. Your child or children will feature on their own page with just their christian names. No other personal details will be published.

A week after the shoot you will be invited back to Richard’s studio to view the images. At that time you will get a chance to talk about which image will appear in the book and you will also have the opportunity to order a copy of the book or buy prints as a memory of the day.

You then simply sit and wait till the end of the year when the book is published. The book will be available to pre-order at your viewing or you can apply online to purchase additional copies, but please be aware that this is a strictly limited edition publication of just 500 signed and numbered copies. We will reserve one copy for you to buy at your viewing but after that we cannot guarantee availability. When this collector’s edition is sold out there will be no other copies available.

Please be aware that there is absolutely no obligation to spend any additional money unless you decide to buy prints or a copy of the book itself. 100% of all donations received by us go directly to Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.

Would you like your child to appear in Children of London 2020?

"Richard is an amazing photographer, he immediately connects with the kids creating a fun environment to catch them at their best.
He doesn't just capture an image but manages to catch their character too. The end result is more than just a photograph, really a piece of art to treasure." - Suzanne Briggs, Mother of Oliver & Charlie